tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83604498121614725972024-03-13T12:43:02.853+11:00Darren MThis is just a filing cabinet of sorts to store memories of good times and other events of tomfoolery.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-79756895796769370852022-11-13T00:25:00.002+11:002022-11-13T00:25:33.214+11:00North Head<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6u7VqlZDR7GTH8egJ6J6EG-leyE49qSvxr1BOS3H-0yXtTMrvyGBKDioJFj3jT2Zqi9wUyy9u0LTpRbx0wKiZbxbIJli-5VsP_MkD6fnAegXThDgsVkhPZYBHoP_vFUEyBNeNigdv9uB6BgFRaFiug6zZfgoZiUhM7CxkeBswPSBVJ31c4OLfal-0/s3893/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2016%2022%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2919" data-original-width="3893" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6u7VqlZDR7GTH8egJ6J6EG-leyE49qSvxr1BOS3H-0yXtTMrvyGBKDioJFj3jT2Zqi9wUyy9u0LTpRbx0wKiZbxbIJli-5VsP_MkD6fnAegXThDgsVkhPZYBHoP_vFUEyBNeNigdv9uB6BgFRaFiug6zZfgoZiUhM7CxkeBswPSBVJ31c4OLfal-0/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2016%2022%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a> </p><p>The perpetual forward grind of life has once again swept me into the eddy of adventure. The feeling of being pulled in every direction all at once reminds me to relax, breathe and loosen the grip just a little as the current of change takes hold.</p><p>Another Winter had passed me by without so much as a whisper from friends roaming through the mountains....still madly searching for that feeling we have all spent a lifetime chasing. The social media juggernaut had supplied a steady stream of cold, windy places, backcountry trips and sailing adventures in beautiful warm waters.</p><p>I needed to feel the biting wind of a blizzard, the freezing water of a cold dark canyon, or peer into the murky green depths of the ocean while swimming along the coast.......</p><p>A few short messages were sent and a plan was hatched to scramble and swim around North Head. A circumnavigation if you like from Manly to Manly. I had done the trip a number of years prior with mates and had a great day out so after having a swim around Middle Head a week or two earlier, Pat and I were good to go.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1-WuHnucY1JeWaSeBTsE2fpBnkujIgKCpL6BjNjC57QQELeCQOsGoLkNnB2u1Q9JCRwry6FIsYG6NsbxKPdpCakCwPdJBDmOqtV_W3EUy86aESMSiXAs1OaUSVl0lUcbpSbdM7lSzA_Lm_agMukeGbcO5_U_B4OyxnDuITUDJw4o1uV0SXYgcQUj/s4032/Photo%201-6-2022,%207%2025%2019%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH1-WuHnucY1JeWaSeBTsE2fpBnkujIgKCpL6BjNjC57QQELeCQOsGoLkNnB2u1Q9JCRwry6FIsYG6NsbxKPdpCakCwPdJBDmOqtV_W3EUy86aESMSiXAs1OaUSVl0lUcbpSbdM7lSzA_Lm_agMukeGbcO5_U_B4OyxnDuITUDJw4o1uV0SXYgcQUj/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%207%2025%2019%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A mix of scrambling along seacliffs and swimming was a perfect way to spend the day and as always being flexible was key. With a multitude of swimming and triathalon events in the area we had to bypass the first leg of the swim which had us climbing up a down the cliffline for a while to access our start point.</p><p>Pat has the ability to manage his fear climbing through years of experience doing just that. The way he moves smoothly through any landscape with ease goes unoticed by many. I wondered about our route choice....<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pajvgynYVXaC11zmizO7Km5Ebs95Q4q8smN73cEVHHLpDHh_qNiKhozIF-S0IC6TVuvyyB0MrFiaaa-fL0uRSzQIm1E3-HC3uheu7KifZotYOQRgTlF097b-wn0ttN_LP40k67VaY1DQsNgl_26xcXA9eRValsw7IzQyx5uDZVDQd8jDH1j9gnY9/s3925/Photo%201-6-2022,%207%2039%2025%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2945" data-original-width="3925" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pajvgynYVXaC11zmizO7Km5Ebs95Q4q8smN73cEVHHLpDHh_qNiKhozIF-S0IC6TVuvyyB0MrFiaaa-fL0uRSzQIm1E3-HC3uheu7KifZotYOQRgTlF097b-wn0ttN_LP40k67VaY1DQsNgl_26xcXA9eRValsw7IzQyx5uDZVDQd8jDH1j9gnY9/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%207%2039%2025%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dydUj5fJHS-JRM9gwzAWWlcXqvYfsW_J1u27U40k55yZ7WZ37SHe-AYrZjrgp6C_cP6taKJJt_Sr-cK_Wh8y688WEVNncE92JMIAXw3d1SF_u1Xz4Ww6diMJkN86X8-oLJaSFjTgANKxlz9SCbmpFKCOppB72ivG9eIfZ7Ojylw1qHZyS1h1RUmv/s4032/Photo%201-6-2022,%207%2054%2022%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2dydUj5fJHS-JRM9gwzAWWlcXqvYfsW_J1u27U40k55yZ7WZ37SHe-AYrZjrgp6C_cP6taKJJt_Sr-cK_Wh8y688WEVNncE92JMIAXw3d1SF_u1Xz4Ww6diMJkN86X8-oLJaSFjTgANKxlz9SCbmpFKCOppB72ivG9eIfZ7Ojylw1qHZyS1h1RUmv/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%207%2054%2022%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Sure enough without time to think we were scrambling up and down the rocks making good time. I didn't have time to be terrified as we made our way along the coast. It was a pleasant change to swimming this section. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVDC1ejz8q4Dxoq0nMttLZweVw4tIyftor8T7_rFbF-RRktTY-FIK76saE7b41ifzsVgdJbVRPnYjrltyZ8zd4Ki-c-m2jLZjx9ArwEWUA-ONCokdXUQJD95qEimJ3KZKeoUceQEUjXgL7bJuByTVsFS0LAHmFRU6UEVf9XTdp3ojTUyHmRL1QfgQ/s3649/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2007%2006%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2737" data-original-width="3649" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTVDC1ejz8q4Dxoq0nMttLZweVw4tIyftor8T7_rFbF-RRktTY-FIK76saE7b41ifzsVgdJbVRPnYjrltyZ8zd4Ki-c-m2jLZjx9ArwEWUA-ONCokdXUQJD95qEimJ3KZKeoUceQEUjXgL7bJuByTVsFS0LAHmFRU6UEVf9XTdp3ojTUyHmRL1QfgQ/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2007%2006%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxntUqJtY7Zi5fkn57NmrrL-m1yagdqKBAZ2nLgwmNFhPxw40JRSlcssdVRAgEKDyuYLQKGDt_Qc5kB7UCCUOroMdtufQcGRuOl-bHo-28-XngaFnTCC2PuvCcpt1YBBFEOw11bGTXFeC9EdJ_7N6l848BwqGo3lN2NndT43qFOBI81D6j13XyRcJ/s4032/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2027%2055%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimxntUqJtY7Zi5fkn57NmrrL-m1yagdqKBAZ2nLgwmNFhPxw40JRSlcssdVRAgEKDyuYLQKGDt_Qc5kB7UCCUOroMdtufQcGRuOl-bHo-28-XngaFnTCC2PuvCcpt1YBBFEOw11bGTXFeC9EdJ_7N6l848BwqGo3lN2NndT43qFOBI81D6j13XyRcJ/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2027%2055%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WEZN2asjGsrV5HkjOraEmBpSrkW5Dgl84QQzFw-5xr5WCuVPQz59md1bXx3yN1Ex8oyY4PZj51U9TiTpPje5K1QDNCcSded2-uwJq1DhAicMRUSQLEMKC4rOP2HjKyeM-nUvkXKG1bN0q2aXbDH_nr-XRO8kAqkAB5Y_-JD5NoqYE0vGP-tk0h_Q/s4032/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2017%2009%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8WEZN2asjGsrV5HkjOraEmBpSrkW5Dgl84QQzFw-5xr5WCuVPQz59md1bXx3yN1Ex8oyY4PZj51U9TiTpPje5K1QDNCcSded2-uwJq1DhAicMRUSQLEMKC4rOP2HjKyeM-nUvkXKG1bN0q2aXbDH_nr-XRO8kAqkAB5Y_-JD5NoqYE0vGP-tk0h_Q/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2017%2009%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I was relieved to finally get into the water after some mild arrhythmia and there was plenty to be distracted by, stopping along the way to check out some incredible rockpools. The marine life was once again a highlight along with the old feeling of working the body hard for hours on end.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UC40Jr8PiivqdV1hjlQgecb_Kqr15SEDU0EdQwEaCfJn9GA84tdW5Z-QmHtddtDYMrKN2GDZskFNtOw8-GTnaJQjL5FR4uwS3mPJsSjnptGf3d5iNFiFXJNorLqcsSIyu-EF51m3TXoM6rKKtGN3HBZ-cmsrB_RtF_KGA48q0zN_I6QFds4rcE26/s4032/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2024%2009%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UC40Jr8PiivqdV1hjlQgecb_Kqr15SEDU0EdQwEaCfJn9GA84tdW5Z-QmHtddtDYMrKN2GDZskFNtOw8-GTnaJQjL5FR4uwS3mPJsSjnptGf3d5iNFiFXJNorLqcsSIyu-EF51m3TXoM6rKKtGN3HBZ-cmsrB_RtF_KGA48q0zN_I6QFds4rcE26/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2024%2009%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UC40Jr8PiivqdV1hjlQgecb_Kqr15SEDU0EdQwEaCfJn9GA84tdW5Z-QmHtddtDYMrKN2GDZskFNtOw8-GTnaJQjL5FR4uwS3mPJsSjnptGf3d5iNFiFXJNorLqcsSIyu-EF51m3TXoM6rKKtGN3HBZ-cmsrB_RtF_KGA48q0zN_I6QFds4rcE26/s4032/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2024%2009%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNV1F4LwMqUFqj47i0So_fHG8g70T55qr3rsysCzS-PzKnQuYMWWB8nwULdIEZngh361LWu4BaE1rXYKGwOuHRf-0ErHGxKODGiuhVzu8F37Z1uT2DzwRKQQmpoRxUXueL43HVJGl29uapwIECJxt0U_9FNzv7FVWmEKLDwzuMptjcvucf97DTect/s4032/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2026%2008%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNV1F4LwMqUFqj47i0So_fHG8g70T55qr3rsysCzS-PzKnQuYMWWB8nwULdIEZngh361LWu4BaE1rXYKGwOuHRf-0ErHGxKODGiuhVzu8F37Z1uT2DzwRKQQmpoRxUXueL43HVJGl29uapwIECJxt0U_9FNzv7FVWmEKLDwzuMptjcvucf97DTect/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%208%2026%2008%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1jwHe3mg_v2m6s8WS6b8y1bGqwHlWpcRsXwyovlI2j7UzM78cM-_yfWIJi9ofDyBo90oF3p4BIuDQrV-a5FayIwZbWd4-zzmvD8cMiVc5XHMNb56eO_Knlzaech46iJAkQYsgsHNN_ZKP0Vog9yUMeBQw41srV0MyyB73Y7uzKpHZw_fgLBOyoBn/s4032/Photo%201-6-2022,%209%2059%2012%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1jwHe3mg_v2m6s8WS6b8y1bGqwHlWpcRsXwyovlI2j7UzM78cM-_yfWIJi9ofDyBo90oF3p4BIuDQrV-a5FayIwZbWd4-zzmvD8cMiVc5XHMNb56eO_Knlzaech46iJAkQYsgsHNN_ZKP0Vog9yUMeBQw41srV0MyyB73Y7uzKpHZw_fgLBOyoBn/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%209%2059%2012%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTbwQuqNmDLdouWhxt4ySF2dp_GRqu0Y53zsrPN9Dr33j2dj2H-m9h5NGw0txSL_SU4zhgDQvgZjY3bmnBti4OVOqNr6uOy0t_0bFZqOqRxBOAYHdH8eUwxIginzRpU9RQRvN2aSiFnK4ljlRflif9OUFekIIrL5eQN4SYmaKfDGyNGzeqAtNj9UV/s3767/Photo%201-6-2022,%2010%2002%2037%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2825" data-original-width="3767" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMTbwQuqNmDLdouWhxt4ySF2dp_GRqu0Y53zsrPN9Dr33j2dj2H-m9h5NGw0txSL_SU4zhgDQvgZjY3bmnBti4OVOqNr6uOy0t_0bFZqOqRxBOAYHdH8eUwxIginzRpU9RQRvN2aSiFnK4ljlRflif9OUFekIIrL5eQN4SYmaKfDGyNGzeqAtNj9UV/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%2010%2002%2037%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Another highlight was swimming up to a beautiful seal sunbaking on the rocks. We clambered out of the water to take a photo before jumping back in and grinding out the last kilometre or two. Swimming across from Quarantine beach back to Manly was slightly nerve racking with so many boats racing around the inner harbour.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qKRDdtwHq_EwrM6FOwvwK1fVGrB1TY5WBjdG9KZdJlRzgK0de1oa-GeKjn7-uNNzTfoVW3AH094dK3VPfkJ85W8YxqeDTynBK3rth85S8KWOPMwkX7ucPdU9daRtQkdaLsL1YyO8aDMuVY70ehYMqwKdmcIz3jlg_kvUTSCNGPEtLCNHE-ATzWuk/s3827/Photo%201-6-2022,%2011%2011%2051%20am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2871" data-original-width="3827" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5qKRDdtwHq_EwrM6FOwvwK1fVGrB1TY5WBjdG9KZdJlRzgK0de1oa-GeKjn7-uNNzTfoVW3AH094dK3VPfkJ85W8YxqeDTynBK3rth85S8KWOPMwkX7ucPdU9daRtQkdaLsL1YyO8aDMuVY70ehYMqwKdmcIz3jlg_kvUTSCNGPEtLCNHE-ATzWuk/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%2011%2011%2051%20am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeptgtJOJx0Oy8v-XMZoth4rHfCyguXeGCqzGOFPE9crFJZP4EtmQOVCHAGD6BWi38DinydGnigrlxybrJwuxrQJzwqlboYZGqQaQegSmWLev1zG_vD6mGCXXeKFahYSc1ebb4jXaSwWFi4g93uCLh74E4SHBKH_ExT3u9CWrHjt2-Cp23INOS8db/s4032/Photo%201-6-2022,%2012%2057%2055%20pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZeptgtJOJx0Oy8v-XMZoth4rHfCyguXeGCqzGOFPE9crFJZP4EtmQOVCHAGD6BWi38DinydGnigrlxybrJwuxrQJzwqlboYZGqQaQegSmWLev1zG_vD6mGCXXeKFahYSc1ebb4jXaSwWFi4g93uCLh74E4SHBKH_ExT3u9CWrHjt2-Cp23INOS8db/w640-h480/Photo%201-6-2022,%2012%2057%2055%20pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br />We arrived back in Manly knowing that the day had been a success on many levels......looking forward to more......</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhve77z9IGFs_QBgR1fHhgQZDgvTK8q0i_nz7HsF8wYP7m6PWyB158s74uZpT0hapZEFS5w7g5m0DmNCE80i_8MIMQq8Gq4smeg9i5f8UMISrmL1PcOxerHQWgKJ2Jk2YWAxKMjAb2Hy9QrsRYGAwBZWtemZlTR4cE2svGKhcVYUWDtoA2iXr1EXkqv/s845/Screenshot%202022-11-13%2000.18.07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="739" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhve77z9IGFs_QBgR1fHhgQZDgvTK8q0i_nz7HsF8wYP7m6PWyB158s74uZpT0hapZEFS5w7g5m0DmNCE80i_8MIMQq8Gq4smeg9i5f8UMISrmL1PcOxerHQWgKJ2Jk2YWAxKMjAb2Hy9QrsRYGAwBZWtemZlTR4cE2svGKhcVYUWDtoA2iXr1EXkqv/w560-h640/Screenshot%202022-11-13%2000.18.07.png" width="560" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-31949837250518337582020-08-19T21:46:00.002+10:002020-08-19T23:42:07.109+10:00Kiandra to Guthega<p>What is it about pain that etches memories deeper into ones grey matter? There are moments in time so deeply engrained in my mind that I can recall every minute detail from sounds, smell and visual clarity so seemingly real that I'm instantly transported back.</p><p>The best moments in life are often associated with pain....or at least in my case. The body triggers a pain response to remind us not to do stupid things, but somehow I've taught myself that if it hurts....It's good. What's good about bleeding shins, battered and bruised feet, a body in massive calorie deficit starting to eat itself to produce enough energy to continue? The reward?</p><p>The reward is travelling through remote wilderness so beautiful that words simply cannot do justice when trying to repaint that picture for others. How lucky we are to have access to a world so breathtaking......What a pity we are fucking it up.</p><p>Scott and I have the general adventure gene and tend to travel parallel leading busy lives, however every so often we reconnect to seek out new places to explore. A rough plan to cross the Main Range in Kosciuszko National Park was hatched and despite having crossed 3 times before, Scott hadn't made the trip yet. A drop off was arranged at Kiandra in less than ideal conditions and we were away.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ri6p1OmnAf8/XzyciYfoOlI/AAAAAAAAGq0/pe0uj1H8P2IqxeG0RqikE1VU0lPBNOVdgCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_3297.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ri6p1OmnAf8/XzyciYfoOlI/AAAAAAAAGq0/pe0uj1H8P2IqxeG0RqikE1VU0lPBNOVdgCPcBGAYYCw/s640/IMG_3297.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRAxYE_8-4c/XzyclypFi2I/AAAAAAAAGq0/KaAQnxHUzFwMwH5iMufGLolBLivZE9pGwCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9583%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bRAxYE_8-4c/XzyclypFi2I/AAAAAAAAGq0/KaAQnxHUzFwMwH5iMufGLolBLivZE9pGwCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9583%25281%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGhC2Qr9yK4/Xzycosjg1ZI/AAAAAAAAGp8/F3Kb4QxvwfA52Vd8AC2KqBBIXnVPVEcAwCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGhC2Qr9yK4/Xzycosjg1ZI/AAAAAAAAGp8/F3Kb4QxvwfA52Vd8AC2KqBBIXnVPVEcAwCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9607.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p> A long afternoon meandering uphill in the rain eventually found us high enough to reach the snowline.....just. The whole area had been completely decimated by the fires and it was hard to fathom just how much the northern end of the park had changed. During the night rain turned to a measily amount of snow and the temperature drop was enough to see us on skis and skinning toward the Happy Jacks plain......A few rest stops along the way....<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPsvptZvEQk/XzychclbqGI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/irCfj8LdlK8Q9ywOkRvVfx3n6VYVqBfpACPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_3392.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPsvptZvEQk/XzychclbqGI/AAAAAAAAGpQ/irCfj8LdlK8Q9ywOkRvVfx3n6VYVqBfpACPcBGAYYCw/w600-h800/IMG_3392.JPG" width="600" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYUbMWLiI1o/XzycofJrfUI/AAAAAAAAGqA/ckjGEjgzX0A_YfQPbe1oXfA4Oc-OrkymQCPcBGAYYCw/s3520/IMG_9623.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="3520" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYUbMWLiI1o/XzycofJrfUI/AAAAAAAAGqA/ckjGEjgzX0A_YfQPbe1oXfA4Oc-OrkymQCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h450/IMG_9623.JPG" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxwTD7l0yWs/XzycqCET7xI/AAAAAAAAGq0/L4EwfK2SjXoKf-rDYOHLwDiVx7gZ30mdwCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9634.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AxwTD7l0yWs/XzycqCET7xI/AAAAAAAAGq0/L4EwfK2SjXoKf-rDYOHLwDiVx7gZ30mdwCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9634.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2bKnxkehFM/XzyctTIEAsI/AAAAAAAAGqA/hK5cQTuHaMoRWVBk8oIVYfWHQCKBjWUzQCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2bKnxkehFM/XzyctTIEAsI/AAAAAAAAGqA/hK5cQTuHaMoRWVBk8oIVYfWHQCKBjWUzQCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9649.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lZxJTu6LcY/XzycupCN34I/AAAAAAAAGp8/CXGpTmOy9ZEFEgT0dBxGS24VrIetWWwXwCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lZxJTu6LcY/XzycupCN34I/AAAAAAAAGp8/CXGpTmOy9ZEFEgT0dBxGS24VrIetWWwXwCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9655.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AExmJ8JL3bA/Xzycv_cECSI/AAAAAAAAGqA/p2lY3MLsTOUGl4SX2A3P1LDgRN049boUACPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9688.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AExmJ8JL3bA/Xzycv_cECSI/AAAAAAAAGqA/p2lY3MLsTOUGl4SX2A3P1LDgRN049boUACPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9688.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvu8dZ6zdig/XzycyBAovSI/AAAAAAAAGrE/GJYUoIWMJvkpxL8BmZfHNWIrgc0z21o6gCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9691.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvu8dZ6zdig/XzycyBAovSI/AAAAAAAAGrE/GJYUoIWMJvkpxL8BmZfHNWIrgc0z21o6gCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9691.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh3JnP20x4k/XzyczZY2oiI/AAAAAAAAGrE/pOdkqfl9mikmAG6ODiZS3Zql7djyemOPwCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/IMG_9694_Moment.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1920" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh3JnP20x4k/XzyczZY2oiI/AAAAAAAAGrE/pOdkqfl9mikmAG6ODiZS3Zql7djyemOPwCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h454/IMG_9694_Moment.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p>We were beginning to fatigue late in the day due to heavy loads and finally reached a reasonable spur to negotiate down to the infamous plain below. Two out of three descents I had done in the dark under head torch so it was nice to be able to see a route down on this trip. The skiing was marginal and fairly desperate on my part through very tight trees, and by the time we'd reached the flats I was done for the day.</p><p>We made camp on the last remaining snow and Scott did his thing with the camera while I retired early to rest and boil up for the next day.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ri0NIQdFPs/XzylRO-Tu5I/AAAAAAAAGsU/cnVgwR4oODMHoGutgIubD9Fc4ZoMooYvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ri0NIQdFPs/XzylRO-Tu5I/AAAAAAAAGsU/cnVgwR4oODMHoGutgIubD9Fc4ZoMooYvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w800-h600/IMG_9701.jpg" width="800" /></a></div> <p></p><p>Credit for the night shot goes to Scott. One of the things I love about remote areas.....the night sky.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSl3icYwpmw/Xzydcl-p2eI/AAAAAAAAGrs/7J-JmUN9uiEwFRxDOJpDQzpRP-zGXSVKwCPcBGAYYCw/s4809/IMG_9984.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4809" data-original-width="3647" height="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSl3icYwpmw/Xzydcl-p2eI/AAAAAAAAGrs/7J-JmUN9uiEwFRxDOJpDQzpRP-zGXSVKwCPcBGAYYCw/w606-h800/IMG_9984.JPG" width="606" /></a></div><p>Happy Jacks Plain was a little void of snow which saw us walking along the valley as usual. It really is one of my favourite parts of the crossing despite the low elevation. It's beautiful.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7aRmSjbtNs/XzykU5K5wxI/AAAAAAAAGr8/TMRC2EG2a58NuM5SZ66UhWQ8hwL_WuUxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s3520/IMG_9706.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="3520" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7aRmSjbtNs/XzykU5K5wxI/AAAAAAAAGr8/TMRC2EG2a58NuM5SZ66UhWQ8hwL_WuUxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w800-h450/IMG_9706.JPG" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfvJYjhurrE/XzykTTWoAAI/AAAAAAAAGr0/vwEfRHqGk-UID-Tj85K9qT_OuxXjeRsbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9719.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UfvJYjhurrE/XzykTTWoAAI/AAAAAAAAGr0/vwEfRHqGk-UID-Tj85K9qT_OuxXjeRsbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w800-h600/IMG_9719.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8RwRZR0zM4/XzykUKg-3dI/AAAAAAAAGr4/VxzJEVMiZVw3DsuULdLIqokuco6RnDFawCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z8RwRZR0zM4/XzykUKg-3dI/AAAAAAAAGr4/VxzJEVMiZVw3DsuULdLIqokuco6RnDFawCLcBGAsYHQ/w800-h600/IMG_9724.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt1oTJC4J7I/XzykXOTJK3I/AAAAAAAAGsA/V37k8aweS6kuVETKm4FHHkGhGuDaE_nOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s4032/IMG_9726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt1oTJC4J7I/XzykXOTJK3I/AAAAAAAAGsA/V37k8aweS6kuVETKm4FHHkGhGuDaE_nOwCLcBGAsYHQ/w800-h600/IMG_9726.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p>A long day and tough climb up to Mackey's Hut on dark kept us in good spirits and we decided to stay a night and capitalise on a slightly earlier start the next day without having to pull icy tents down before leaving. It was also a chance to retrieve Anthony Sharwood's walking poles and shirt which have a great tale behind them. He has written a book about his journey along the Australian Alps Walking Track which I'm looking forward to reading once released. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6abFazV5_A4/Xzyn5TCyLsI/AAAAAAAAGsg/9y3y-zHJin4yq7Bjb1W-DIgKq0pVEHGRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s322/9780733645280.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="210" height="403" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6abFazV5_A4/Xzyn5TCyLsI/AAAAAAAAGsg/9y3y-zHJin4yq7Bjb1W-DIgKq0pVEHGRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w263-h403/9780733645280.webp" width="263" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkfxv4uCDeU/Xzyc5Re7sDI/AAAAAAAAGrY/SJsjugWIQEk2AEFIfV_D3IKAPAYWd_DCACPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9744.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkfxv4uCDeU/Xzyc5Re7sDI/AAAAAAAAGrY/SJsjugWIQEk2AEFIfV_D3IKAPAYWd_DCACPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9744.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STRHfDevKDg/Xzyc2EgCvSI/AAAAAAAAGqU/7GmBKaiWwekxBQfOVceatYni9mYLVxvqACPcBGAYYCw/s3520/IMG_9735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="3520" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-STRHfDevKDg/Xzyc2EgCvSI/AAAAAAAAGqU/7GmBKaiWwekxBQfOVceatYni9mYLVxvqACPcBGAYYCw/w800-h450/IMG_9735.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiagzQx2COQ/Xzyc33hvMMI/AAAAAAAAGrY/obYzmGlnK6oWwSLGZkrmLgLEYzueZy2jgCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IiagzQx2COQ/Xzyc33hvMMI/AAAAAAAAGrY/obYzmGlnK6oWwSLGZkrmLgLEYzueZy2jgCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9740.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Vb3N5I-0HQ/Xzyc6r-pKuI/AAAAAAAAGrY/BjlOixx9A9khAJs3jlbuhJJMlOxtKTb4QCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9747%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Vb3N5I-0HQ/Xzyc6r-pKuI/AAAAAAAAGrY/BjlOixx9A9khAJs3jlbuhJJMlOxtKTb4QCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9747%25281%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlB3S93kQoc/Xzyc8MD8HzI/AAAAAAAAGrE/zBO9J0m5HGgxZmrmtAdEurorimuRHq5QACPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlB3S93kQoc/Xzyc8MD8HzI/AAAAAAAAGrE/zBO9J0m5HGgxZmrmtAdEurorimuRHq5QACPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9751.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Upgv_UfQj-8/Xzyc89Q_tyI/AAAAAAAAGrE/RArToPjjSHUnOrUXUtbVvsaqElqCXT1ZQCPcBGAYYCw/s2880/IMG_9757.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="2880" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Upgv_UfQj-8/Xzyc89Q_tyI/AAAAAAAAGrE/RArToPjjSHUnOrUXUtbVvsaqElqCXT1ZQCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9757.JPG" width="800" /></a></div> <p></p><p>It was at the hut we realised that one brand of our fuel wasn't burning efficiently enough to boil snow. The mix despite clearly stating that it was blended for sub zero temps, wasn't cutting it. We were effectively down to my remaining cannisters for the rest of the trip....Not good. This put a little pressure on to make distance before running out.</p><p>It was nice drying out by the fire before heading back out the next day to navigate a route up and around Spencer's peak. I cant say I've enjoyed the scrub bash in the past and this trip was no exception. We tried a slightly modified route this time around and it proved no better. Lots of cursing and body bashing our way through and Scott took charge grinding a way forward. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ckQrJMRp_fE/Xzyc-EH0pTI/AAAAAAAAGrg/w95qbdNfhbsLt8AWOoblO3DcCI6IPbZIQCPcBGAYYCw/s3520/IMG_9772.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="3520" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ckQrJMRp_fE/Xzyc-EH0pTI/AAAAAAAAGrg/w95qbdNfhbsLt8AWOoblO3DcCI6IPbZIQCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h450/IMG_9772.JPG" width="800" /></a></div> <br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s6fVkPxNmt0/XzzVBDRjIeI/AAAAAAAAGss/rSOW_NfWcb062XcYsl4BmVvQWkHOpQBKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/IMG_3370_Moment.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1920" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s6fVkPxNmt0/XzzVBDRjIeI/AAAAAAAAGss/rSOW_NfWcb062XcYsl4BmVvQWkHOpQBKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w800-h454/IMG_3370_Moment.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFibhFj9nHg/XzzVDuKr8LI/AAAAAAAAGs4/PVjlFTaZnrQQ7njMnJJV0WXAAjrpRy76ACPcBGAYYCw/s1920/IMG_3368_Moment.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1920" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFibhFj9nHg/XzzVDuKr8LI/AAAAAAAAGs4/PVjlFTaZnrQQ7njMnJJV0WXAAjrpRy76ACPcBGAYYCw/w800-h454/IMG_3368_Moment.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUYU4oAA3mE/XzzWIYu6AtI/AAAAAAAAGtE/3JxkNEjFa0UzqNH6fmdIwZ6feslXf1aLgCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/IMG_9778_Moment.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1920" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUYU4oAA3mE/XzzWIYu6AtI/AAAAAAAAGtE/3JxkNEjFa0UzqNH6fmdIwZ6feslXf1aLgCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h454/IMG_9778_Moment.jpg" width="800" /></a></p><p>By the time we passed by Cesjacks, visibilty was down and my feet were in agony. I needed to stop and recover so we setup camp in the rain and waited for the temps to drop. It tried hard to snow but it was wet and miserable. I took every pain killer and anti inflammatory i could and retaped my blistered and bruised feet and was concerned that we'd run out of fuel if I couldn't make distance each day. My toes were bruised from bashing into the front of the boots. To my surprise the next day, my feet were fine again and we powered on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2cnAIB-lFw/XzydN4gun3I/AAAAAAAAGrU/SB5SCbz8xykBJi-TbhpDG5kZv6XGfkXUgCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9840.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2cnAIB-lFw/XzydN4gun3I/AAAAAAAAGrU/SB5SCbz8xykBJi-TbhpDG5kZv6XGfkXUgCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9840.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjRDe9LaWV0/XzydCAmlH0I/AAAAAAAAGq0/3NPjakZSpfAszsbmo0kvrKSKBN9WmJU1QCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9787.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjRDe9LaWV0/XzydCAmlH0I/AAAAAAAAGq0/3NPjakZSpfAszsbmo0kvrKSKBN9WmJU1QCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9787.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoGJqOLZaZg/XzydARbAXOI/AAAAAAAAGqs/11X0ZJOJZJYWItjZqJtb3jMrbyViU9m4QCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9782.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoGJqOLZaZg/XzydARbAXOI/AAAAAAAAGqs/11X0ZJOJZJYWItjZqJtb3jMrbyViU9m4QCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9782.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p>The day was going well and the terrain spread out before us like huge white blanket with perfect visibility all the way back to Mt Jagungal. Cruisy open valleys which had me wishing I had my snowkites again. Classic dreamy high country touring. <br /> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RVffzK-xaM/XzydI3leJPI/AAAAAAAAGrk/d12UZHF9Ho8Y2gdMVt8jG2Ks1a1zyZfIwCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RVffzK-xaM/XzydI3leJPI/AAAAAAAAGrk/d12UZHF9Ho8Y2gdMVt8jG2Ks1a1zyZfIwCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9826.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVg_KAvSnFk/XzydDwFH9bI/AAAAAAAAGrk/hXLXXTzbvcoBnzJEAl0VItfkvjeWXrmiACPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9799%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVg_KAvSnFk/XzydDwFH9bI/AAAAAAAAGrk/hXLXXTzbvcoBnzJEAl0VItfkvjeWXrmiACPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9799%25281%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p>Scott took his skins off and raced down the next valley while I cruised along soaking in the scenery. When I caught up, he said we may have a problem! He was missing one screw and another had threaded on the front of his binding. It was threatening to rip the whole plate off the ski which would be pretty terminal. For the next half an hour we glued, screwed and taped the binding back to some kind of useable state. We cannibalised screws from the back plate for the front and hoped for the best.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZMo56aicdo/XzydFp7O1pI/AAAAAAAAGrY/IbxO_EKZDIc4o5olIdDxWIvf8saSbwPJgCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/IMG_9808_Moment.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1920" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZMo56aicdo/XzydFp7O1pI/AAAAAAAAGrY/IbxO_EKZDIc4o5olIdDxWIvf8saSbwPJgCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h454/IMG_9808_Moment.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nk5uWOsQ3ew/XzydG8hMXvI/AAAAAAAAGrE/izGOCDND2vE5n79IfwDWXVgKIa_-j91uQCPcBGAYYCw/s3520/IMG_9817.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="3520" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nk5uWOsQ3ew/XzydG8hMXvI/AAAAAAAAGrE/izGOCDND2vE5n79IfwDWXVgKIa_-j91uQCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h450/IMG_9817.JPG" width="800" /></a><p></p><p>It was a nerve-racking day but as time wore on we forgot about the binding and made good time until camp in the Brassy Range. I discovered another faulty fuel cannister that evening which made our route to Thredbo extremely difficult. It was a pretty special evening and the sunset was magic, only topped by the sunrise.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljbOVvQ_l64/XzydK1BzWpI/AAAAAAAAGrg/cMLigQPWiigwuSD_AEoBJE2OAZIlrth9QCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9835.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljbOVvQ_l64/XzydK1BzWpI/AAAAAAAAGrg/cMLigQPWiigwuSD_AEoBJE2OAZIlrth9QCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9835.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Hcj01Tv_b4/XzycfKgDIGI/AAAAAAAAGq0/McnocLZlJxEeHXkj1bMAnJzqcdMC1JlhACPcBGAYYCw/s4032/DAWB8698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Hcj01Tv_b4/XzycfKgDIGI/AAAAAAAAGq0/McnocLZlJxEeHXkj1bMAnJzqcdMC1JlhACPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/DAWB8698.JPG" width="800" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6mlEAvWx1sY/XzyckWs99uI/AAAAAAAAGrE/Yqgj4snpqRA5Ec-_Z1f8ZYO9oeCA969fACPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_3414.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6mlEAvWx1sY/XzyckWs99uI/AAAAAAAAGrE/Yqgj4snpqRA5Ec-_Z1f8ZYO9oeCA969fACPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_3414.JPG" width="800" /></a></div><p>The view from camp the next morning to our intended route didn't last long as the cloud rolled in. I took a bearing and headed off up towards the Kerries Ridge only pausing to watch a mob of wild brumbies racing across the valley. Visibility dropped and it started snowing as we climbed higher knowing that once we travelled beyond the lee side it would clear.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv6hSEZ5_ZY/XzydPZ4afbI/AAAAAAAAGrg/xdnf0eK6Pno-Yqrys2zrPr_BkSqX9S4PACPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9877.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv6hSEZ5_ZY/XzydPZ4afbI/AAAAAAAAGrg/xdnf0eK6Pno-Yqrys2zrPr_BkSqX9S4PACPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9877.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uK2mzeiMlsc/XzydQt8BRdI/AAAAAAAAGrY/mIsOPtrM0Mw9-IA2vaKGV_SYvCILmW5QACPcBGAYYCw/s3520/IMG_9894.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="3520" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uK2mzeiMlsc/XzydQt8BRdI/AAAAAAAAGrY/mIsOPtrM0Mw9-IA2vaKGV_SYvCILmW5QACPcBGAYYCw/w800-h450/IMG_9894.JPG" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17eVnEhhSbE/XzydSIL8b4I/AAAAAAAAGrc/nN3B_XFKIZ4hNcxPpK2x7hv1_g0BOL4OwCPcBGAYYCw/s3520/IMG_9898.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1980" data-original-width="3520" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17eVnEhhSbE/XzydSIL8b4I/AAAAAAAAGrc/nN3B_XFKIZ4hNcxPpK2x7hv1_g0BOL4OwCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h450/IMG_9898.JPG" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-ybJYQDFPY/XzydUP8C1YI/AAAAAAAAGrg/gceqHy2InQY7al_OopSX4JjkKCQHkaregCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/IMG_9906_Moment.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1920" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f-ybJYQDFPY/XzydUP8C1YI/AAAAAAAAGrg/gceqHy2InQY7al_OopSX4JjkKCQHkaregCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h454/IMG_9906_Moment.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KS4TmK8n9s4/XzydV7sbzhI/AAAAAAAAGrk/9bfazXii00oiZ6bXXgY9_K_hvqs3_4uqwCPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9907.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KS4TmK8n9s4/XzydV7sbzhI/AAAAAAAAGrk/9bfazXii00oiZ6bXXgY9_K_hvqs3_4uqwCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h600/IMG_9907.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p>We made great time down toward Schlink as the weather cleared slightly and then rolled back in as we reached the pass. It was hard to make the call to descend down to Guthega but we had no choice due to fuel and potential binding failure. It started snowing heavily for the route down past Whites River for the final nights camp. It was time to head out and back to civilisation and although it was dissapointing not to be heading up and over the Rolling ground and down to Thredbo, it was not worth the risk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_u0ehaleSnU/XzydYEdX3NI/AAAAAAAAGro/arjSKIQJazYyK-WQ3NgIWP987EZ7HfPPgCPcBGAYYCw/s1920/IMG_9922_Moment.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1920" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_u0ehaleSnU/XzydYEdX3NI/AAAAAAAAGro/arjSKIQJazYyK-WQ3NgIWP987EZ7HfPPgCPcBGAYYCw/w800-h454/IMG_9922_Moment.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8n9vZngMo4/XzydaVF_LDI/AAAAAAAAGrs/oty-3uuFL6Qr-pjjE0rgde3MkiR0iWU-ACPcBGAYYCw/s4032/IMG_9964.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C8n9vZngMo4/XzydaVF_LDI/AAAAAAAAGrs/oty-3uuFL6Qr-pjjE0rgde3MkiR0iWU-ACPcBGAYYCw/w600-h800/IMG_9964.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><p>The trip this year was another success on so many levels and once again, travelled through one of my favorite winter landscapes..........</p><p>I shall return again......... <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-12435265643938012992020-05-18T12:21:00.001+10:002020-05-18T12:25:25.204+10:00Lockleys Pylon Patience...<div><br /></div><div>If 2020 has taught me anything at all, it is patience. I'm unaccustomed to sitting idle while waiting for circumstance to present the perfect setting for adventure. In times gone by adventure has usually found me, however lately the freedom that the greater wild offers has been put on hold.</div><div><br /></div><div>The world feels strangely different. Nature seemingly oblivious, disinterested....unsympathetic to our plight. The brilliance of the human race has once again received the blow required to reset the absurdity of selfish thinking, comical governing and incompetence.</div><div><br /></div><div>The answer as always awaits us out there....</div><div><br /></div><div>Wandering a familiar path through a recovering landscape, windswept heath and deep valleys, my thoughts returned to so many fantastic ventures. Sitting silently in awe as thousands of fireflies hovered gently in the darkness, stopping halfway down the 4th pitch of the most beautifully green canyon....the subtle sound of a rope under tension and my own heart beating. Pushing for hours through untracked Lawyer vine until my bleeding lacerated legs contrasted beautifully against a sea of green ferns in Bluegum forest. A sleepless night hunkered down on the valley rim in 100kph winds.....</div><div><br /></div><div>The Grose Valley.....</div><div><br /></div><div>We returned to spend the day walking out to Lockleys Pylon and found a recently burnt landscape in full recovery mode. A perfect day and a lovely amble. </div><div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-30458239286429043782020-04-14T23:03:00.000+10:002020-04-14T23:18:35.730+10:00Crosslands to Calna CreekIt seems an age has passed since the barbed hook of adventure embedded its claw deep into my soul. The strange feeling of waking suddenly after living a thousand lifetimes washes over me and the cloudy haze slowly clears. I feel a journey of many seasons has gone by without me and as I wake, a small spark of eagerness ignites an ember of hope that my somewhat rusty engine will once again crank into a steady rhythmic grind. An overwhelming sense that I have so much more to explore sets in, as my mind turns back to nature.<br />
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Today we took a short walk along Berowra Creek, revisiting an area that I had previously spent time training, camping and fly fishing the sand flats. The stillness of the day set a perfect tone for a leisurely stroll along the banks through shady Eucalypt forests, drifting along the track treading lightly over sandstone and gnarled tree roots, barely a spike in heart rate, we emerged at the old Calna creek bridge and across the salt marsh. </div>
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Memories of trail running these parts came flooding back along with feelings of pain and exhilaration of beating my best time on the old 40klm training run. Questions began forming.....Could I regain the fitness to once again race through these valleys?</div>
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Perhaps....</div>
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The day was perfect and as time wore on, we found what we were looking for.....</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-78984368118725107532015-12-13T19:18:00.001+11:002015-12-13T19:32:09.059+11:00Hole in the wall canyon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With a good crew of friends a day was planned for "Hole in the wall" canyon. I hadn't visited for somewhere in the vicinity of 20 years and upon arrival at the car park it was mildly busy with various groups heading off to visit an assortment of different canyons.
With perfect weather and cooler conditions we had a fantastic low key day weaving our way through a beautiful canyon at a relaxed pace. </div>
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Another party of six caught up with us in the canyon and towards the end we all had some fun inching past two stubborn tiger snakes that had been sunning themselves in a narrow squeeze before retreating into a rock shelf only 2 metres away posing a fairly convincing threat.</div>
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The tunnel section had an amazing abundance of glow worms which were a fantastic sight as we clambered our way up and through the tight cleft and out to the next constriction.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoXqT67rRxQ/Vm0mPJFvq_I/AAAAAAAAF-Y/CHSAZD6ldd4/s1600/IMG_7705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoXqT67rRxQ/Vm0mPJFvq_I/AAAAAAAAF-Y/CHSAZD6ldd4/s640/IMG_7705.jpg" width="640" /></a>We all emerged at the exit point and had lunch with the other group and agreed that it was definitely a worthwhile canyon and what it may have lacked in length it certainly makes up for with beauty. The walk back gave us time to ramble about future trips and with ice cold beer at the car as incentive, we floated along feeling recharged and ready for the next adventure.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-18192921296580191222015-12-06T16:36:00.002+11:002015-12-06T16:36:45.933+11:00Serendipity Canyon #3Once again I had the pleasure of joining Scott and Jake in Serendipity canyon as Jake furthers his progression into the world of canyoning. At 7 years old and plenty of outdoor adventures in the bag, it was time to take his experience up a notch with the introduction of rope work.
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With solid general fitness, scrambling ability and a head for heights he put in a great performance and had a blast as always. Forever curious of his surroundings, Jake has firmly been bitten by the adventure bug and I'm looking forward to spending more time in the coming months exploring some new canyons with him.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-54059206216078830662015-11-29T20:36:00.001+11:002015-11-29T20:36:42.797+11:00Grand Canyon Blue MountainsWith minimal time available to visit a new canyon in an old playground, I found myself sprawled across the seat on the early train to the mountains. The atmosphere was surprisingly subdued considering the encounters I've had in the past with inebriated party freaks squeezing the last bit of amusement out of their long night.
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People were draped arms over legs, shoes missing, makeup running and hair that looked more appropriate on Halloween night. I felt surprisingly good after a long week, but could also relate to the tired souls drifting home after whatever urban adventure they had been part of.
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With misty rain and low cloud forming a blanket of grey, I wandered along to the trailhead at Neates Glen. The Grand Canyon walking track was closed but access remained open over the weekend period for canyoners. Being a busy commercial loop I'd considered a night trip through but with an early start and average weather, I had a clean run. I'd wanted to check out the upper section to add a few more pitches but as usual, the camera took over.
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Parks have provided a bombproof setup for the main route in and the short overhanging drop gives a rather spectacular view both upstream and down. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the canyon was and has a similar feel to Rocky Creek in places. Although it isn't technical and fairly short, its definitely worth a visit.<br />
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Once out of the canyon, an endless wave of day walkers appeared at the junction so after chatting briefly with a few people it was up the trail to Evans Lookout and on home again, pleased that I'd made the effort to get out.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-46064127427548245382015-11-16T05:38:00.000+11:002015-11-29T20:36:55.455+11:00Twister Canyon #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After some pretty intense weather monitoring during the week We decided to take a quick dash through Twister canyon with the potential of continuing down Rocky Creek if conditions were right.</div>
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Lainie and and I were the only two that showed for the day but ran into two other parties of two along the way. As usual I was torn between taking my time for photos, but with some pretty cool temperatures we decided to keep moving so unfortunately no care was taken in the photography department.</div>
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We decided to leave Rocky creek for another day due to uncertainty with weather but had a blast in Twister before climbing back up to the car.</div>
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Nice day out and keen for more as always.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-70908153181391842342015-09-27T22:00:00.002+10:002015-11-29T20:37:18.961+11:00Koombanda canyon<br />
After a dismal backcountry season due to circumstance, I needed to get away and recharge the batteries. I'd been contemplating a last minute dash to do some snowkiting but Spring conditions require a certain keenness that I no longer care for.. I'd done a handful of canyons from Claustral back towards Bell, most of them easy and short which suited for the first of the season.<br />
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Koombanda canyon is a reasonable half day and relatively straight forward in terms of nav and difficulty. Some interesting canyon sections amongst some scrubby creek walking.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymGfwWCeEDY/VgfMqQjDdoI/AAAAAAAAFpI/odzqJn3VgSM/s1600/Koombanda%2BCanyon%2B156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymGfwWCeEDY/VgfMqQjDdoI/AAAAAAAAFpI/odzqJn3VgSM/s640/Koombanda%2BCanyon%2B156.JPG" width="640" /></a>It's always the small things that fascinate me in canyons, and I usually spend quite some time scrambling around on all fours trying to capture the miniature world on camera.</div>
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The abseils are a pleasant distraction in between a couple of short and rather cold swims. The 4mm wetsuit is usually unnecessary but standing around in waste deep water with camera in hand can keep things on the cold side and September is fairly early in the season.</div>
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The canyon ends with a rather strange concrete bed from the old coal mine. The walk out saw some nice views down into the Grose valley and some fairly substantial road slips may eventually see the exit route become slightly more difficult.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-55356184571609986022014-08-23T22:16:00.001+10:002021-08-24T09:09:40.622+10:00Kiandra to Kosciuszko splitboarding<em><strong><span style="color: lime;">Rough route description at the end of post</span>.</strong></em><br />
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Over the years I've come to expect greater satisfaction on completion of harder trips in the wild. Paying your dues is something I believe contributes to a better experience overall, and if things went perfectly on all trips would I learn anything new?
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This years K2K was a surprise. The weather was simply superb, gear failures were nil, hardship was not discovered but the overall satisfaction rated as high as some of the more difficult journeys. I had plenty of time to familiarise myself with a new Jeremy Jones Solution 161 splitboard across the Main Range of Kosciuszko National Park during a week of touring. I had planned to use wind power if the weather conditions allowed but it remained calm and cold for the duration which meant my 4.5m and 11m snowkites remained on the pack.
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The week prior to leaving I managed to come down with the flu so after trying to kill it off at the Berridale Inn the night before departure, I had a late start at 10am.
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">The first day started with enthusiasm which saw a steady reliable pace out towards Mt Tabletop where I met Damian and Sarah having lunch and chatting to another group. Not much was said about the state of Happy Jacks plain and wether there would be any snow for the trip across this year. I moved on and as the afternoon grew long, tiredness swept over me so an early day was called and I set up camp as Damian and Sarah powered past all smiles and heading for Brooks. It was the last I would see of them as they made quick time over the range.</span></div>
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The following day was spent in the beautiful valley of Happy Jacks Plain following leads along patchy snow past Brooks hut, over the log crossing and towards the higher ground at the Southern end. Brooks hut had burnt down on my visit through in 2003 and since been rebuilt so it was nice to drop by this year.</div>
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The plan each day had been to camp as high as possible so the morning sun would de-ice the tent before packing it away. The other benefit when higher on the range later in the week was to be above the valley cloud which could potentially make visibility less than ideal for the first couple of hours travel. The idea works well in high pressure weather and not so great when cold fronts are on the agenda.</div>
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Day three was another perfect sunny day which allowed for a new route along a valley that I hadn't visited before. It was such a privilege to pick and choose a route based on ease of travel without wind and weather concerns. I had time for photos and the odd short video along the way. I had some issues with skins gluping up on one short traverse which was simply sorted by kicking back in the sun for lunch.<br />
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It was on past Cesjacks hut which was as busy as ever and I was pleasantly surprised by a chap that not only asked if I was ok for water but had an interest in my splitboard. It was an unexpected and welcomed encounter that had me skinning on late into the afternoon with happy thoughts and outstanding views of Mt Jagungal.</div>
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Day four was a classic day of dreamy Australian high country touring which involved incredible sunrises, good quality snow conditions and riding perfect remote terrain. On other occasions I've had to pass by good terrain due to having to make distance or outrun bad weather, but this trip kept on giving so I allowed myself the pleasure of riding when I felt it necessary. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IYuizSTy_D4/U_hjoImeZDI/AAAAAAAAE9c/VhANtJ3YE-M/s640/K2K%2BSplitboard%2B334.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IYuizSTy_D4/U_hjoImeZDI/AAAAAAAAE9c/VhANtJ3YE-M/s640/K2K%2BSplitboard%2B334.JPG" /></a> It was on to the Brassy Range then over the Kerries and down into the Whites river corridor. It was here that I met a larger group towing sleds in great conditions to Whites river Hut. My plans were to continue camping every night so after a stunning day, I made Schlink pass and the usual phone calls before climbing an icy traverse late in the afternoon onto Dicky Cooper Bogong for the evening.</div>
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Surface conditions started to change a little on day five but I was determined to stay high while the weather was good. After crossing the Rolling Ground I had an icy descent to Consett Stephen Pass which had my tele-splitting in full swing. The climb onto Mt Tate was more of the same and without any form of crampons, I had to rely on the board and technique to make ground. </div>
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From the summit I had a great run down into Pounds Creek which was an absolute blast on the board and if I had any doubts about the capability of a splitboard then this run would alleviate any concerns. From bulletproof conditions through to spring like, performance was fitting as expected. This valley deserved soaking in so time was an unimportant factor while basking in the sun.</div>
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Another late afternoon icy traverse to camp on dark allowed for the usual sunrise melt. I watched a large group descend Twynam chute right on dark after hearing edges scraping. Brave and confident skiers and boarders waved as they shot past to a lower camp. I slept in the following morning as I knew ice would be an issue up high. I used the small kite over my sleeping bag during the night as ice build up in the tent was quite heavy so the morning sun was welcomed as a drying tool.</div>
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Day six was testing in terms of surface conditions due to wanting to stay high on the range. By the time I left camp at 10.30am and traversed Mt Twynam and onto the summit of Carruthers it was clear this was not worth the hassle so I strapped in and rode down the flanks and crossed over Club Lake creek before heading up towards Seamans hut. I could have finished at Thredbo on this day but had to wait another day before descending for a pickup and a week skiing in the resort. </div>
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I spent a day relaxing around Etheridge before waking to snow in the early hours of the following morning. I felt a wave of happiness wash over as the visibility deteriorated for the short ride back down to civilisation. I found a quiet spot in the village and reflected over a beer before my pick up arrived and felt as though mother nature had apologised for the testing conditions of the last trip through. I'm now in her debt once again.....<br />
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A big thankyou to Jason and his crew from ESS Boardstore in North Parramatta. All the last minute gear and servicing was much appreciated as always. Cheers.<br />
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<em><strong><span style="color: lime;">Route description.</span></strong></em><br />
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First up a small disclaimer. The description I have given is not to be taken as the best navigable route for you. Understand that it is simply a route that I have taken and shouldn't be used as a trail guide on your own journey if you aren't confident of your navigation ability and general backcountry hardiness. :-)<br />
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I get asked occasionally about the specifics of the K2K route and the answer is never really that straight forward due to the nature of the weather and snow conditions. The first time I ventured from Kiandra to Guthega Power Station was around 2003 and all I had was some very basic info on the route from Klaus Hueneke's book. It basically described a few key ridges and huts along the way so after an incredible stroke of luck, it snowed hard the week prior to leaving on the first trip through and the Happy Jacks Plain was under two feet of snow. Three days of sunshine before a 24 hour blizzard bunkered down in Mawson Hut, then on for a pickup in 5 days. I was on snowshoes and carried my snowboard.<br />
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The next trip through was epic and instead of finishing at Thredbo we had to pull out at Guthega due to a poor run with rain, flooded creeks, blizzards and equipment failures. Trip report can be found <a href="http://djm74.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/kiandra-to-kosciuskoalmost.html#.VLIC1Llxncs" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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The trip described in this report goes a little like this.....<br />
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I like to leave from Mt Selwyn as I have left my car in the overnight car park to be picked up after the trip and coffee is nice if you don't need an early start. Otherwise you leave from the Snowy Mountains Highway at Kiandra on the Tabletop fire trail. The difference in overall distance is only about 2 K's. You will usually be following ski tracks out to Mt Tabletop as its popular with day trippers. About one and a half K's south of Four Mile Hut, I follow the ridgeline and don't drop down to Nine Mile Diggings, aiming for Mt Tabletop, where the route traverses the Northern side.<br />
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From here I have taken three different routes, two were in the dark. If you can follow the general route of the firetrail SE for around two half K's, until you are almost due North of Happys Hut, then swing back SW until you are on Arsenic Ridge, it will put you on target for Brooks Hut. You can alternatively drop down any of the gullies to reach Happys hut first. I've used three different gullies off the ridge and if you can see the Happy Jacks Plain and a reasonable route down, just go for it. <br />
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From Brooks Hut there is an old log crossing over Happy Jacks Creek dead south, otherwise if there is no snow, you may be able to see the track that crosses over the creek about half a K up stream of the log. From here, I usually jump on the Happy Jacks Road and follow it down to Macgregor's Creek or Tibeaudo's Creek on route to Mackey's Hut. On this trip I stayed a couple of K's East of Mackeys and when I was in line with Spencers Peak, swung SW until I reached Cesjacks Hut. I have in the past skirted the SE side of Spencers Peak proper before heading South along the ridge and around to Cesjacks but it can be a little scrubby in places.<br />
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From Cesjacks, you have to decide if you want to do Mt Jagungal and if so its about 6 K's West of the Hut. In the past my route from here has been along Doubtful Creek to McAlister saddle along the Eastern side of Tarn Bluff and down to the Big Bend on Valentine Creek before heading to Mawson Hut. From here it was along the Creek to Tin Hut, but this trip saw lovely clear weather and from Cesjacks, I headed along the edge of the range straight to Bulls Peaks then Mailbox Hill (which I happily hiked up and rode down again) then stayed high along the Brassy Mountains before crossing the Kerries Ridge and down To Schlink Hut.<br />
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If you need to pull out at this stage for whatever reason, its straight forward down to Guthega Power Station. From here I headed up to Schlink Pass (you should get phone reception from here) and then traverse the steep bit up towards Dicky Cooper Bogong. Its due South from here along the Rolling Ground then down to Consett Stephen Pass. Fom here it was up onto Mt Tate and I made the decision to ride down into Pounds Creek and the lovely flat bowl about one and a half K's from Illawaong bridge.<br />
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From here it was a traverse up to Little Twynam and then Mt Twynam before taking the age old route along the ridge to Mt Caruthers. This trip saw terrible icy conditions on this section so I rode down the flanks of Carruthers into Club lake creek before heading south to hit the Snowy river which I followed briefly until I intersected the Summit Road halfway between the second ford and Seamans hut. From here it's on to Kosciuszko Lookout and down into Thredbo for a nice cold beer.<br />
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There are so many variations on this trip but whatever you do stay safe and enjoy the trip through.<br />
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In the predawn light, two carloads of eager canyoners headed west from Sydney towards Mt Wilson ready to descend Serendipity Canyon. While Scott and I had visited only a <a href="http://djm74.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/serendipity-canyon.html#.UwnOqJrNvcs" target="_blank">month prior</a>, some of our team had not abseiled before, which made the day entirely rewarding seeing new participants immerse themselves in the challenge of canyoning.</div>
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Rob, Rudy, Steen, Ian, Dave, Brendan and Holly joined Scott and I on another fantastic day out that had us all smiling and enjoying new company, perfect weather and lots of laughs. The rich organic smell of new growth was an assault on the senses as we left the car park and worked our way down the ridge and into the canyon. <br />
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Sensory overload plays an intrinsic part of why I and so many others enjoy the outdoors, and has become a deep seated feeling I have come to expect on any journey. I search for it and have become quite accustomed to finding it and am sure our new friends will continue to do the same.<br />
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The A team ready for action at the first abseil, all of whom had no problems handling themselves on the rope throughout the day and given some tricky starts did quite well.<br />
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The middle section of canyon has a great creek walk with plenty of photo opportunities. A recent rain event had pushed some debris through and with a little more water since the last visit, it was nice to rap down the odd water fall.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqDszJWcODw/UwmT9Z6XAnI/AAAAAAAADoo/GckMViaWMlM/s640/23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kqDszJWcODw/UwmT9Z6XAnI/AAAAAAAADoo/GckMViaWMlM/s640/23.JPG" /></a>Exiting into the warmer waters of the Wollongambe and back to our lunch spot had the Waterdragons out in the hope of scavenging the odd crumb and for the rest of us, a chance to take to the air before drying out in the sun.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVlN8h0LOj8/UwmZG5Fw0EI/AAAAAAAADpw/0nnzuz5vICY/s1600/29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVlN8h0LOj8/UwmZG5Fw0EI/AAAAAAAADpw/0nnzuz5vICY/s640/29.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTE-ZHeucf4/UwmZwLYJg1I/AAAAAAAADp4/i-BT2F4toCs/s640/30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTE-ZHeucf4/UwmZwLYJg1I/AAAAAAAADp4/i-BT2F4toCs/s640/30.JPG" /></a>There is never any chance of avoiding the climb out which was led at a cracking pace up the front so I hung at the back with the "Super Senior" & Co. I was humbled to learn this Senior citizen had completed the Oxfam in a staggering 22 hours and cleaned up his age division. An incredible test of endurance and one that I've managed to avoid so far. </div>
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A big thanks to all for an enjoyable day out and Scott in particular for bringing common sense and safety to the party. Good times.....</div>
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It comes as no surprise that many of my early childhood memories involve being in the wild. A conga line of kids way back in 1978 climbing Mt Kaputar was our parents way of educating us in spirit, and while only 4 years old I remember wanting no help up the old steel ladders.<br />
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At 7 years old the family car was packed for a journey around Australia the old fashioned way, in a 10 by 10 canvas tent. Unfortunately it ended all too soon when I broke an arm climbing somewhere I shouldn't have and spent a week in hospital.
I'll never forget the freezing wind burning any exposed flesh at Mt Buffalo as we played in the snow, terrified that I was so cold. <br />
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It was all part of a bigger picture and can't help but think how lucky we were to have parents that showed us a different kind of playing field. A field that has no boundaries and becomes as beautiful and as challenging as we make it.
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Dana and I joined Scott as he took Jake through his first canyon and at 5 years old, Jake is another lucky one. Planting the adventure seed in a child's mind is the single greatest gift one can give. Who knows where it will take them.
Twister Canyon is an easy (grade 2) day out if you include Rocky Creek so with no fixed plan other than get through the first section we wandered off down the track as the car park started to fill.
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There are numerous slides and jump ins along the way and Jake had a blast. We kept moving to stay warm only stopping for the odd photo or to soak in the sun for 5 minutes.</div>
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Dana and Jake doing the pin drop at the tree jump in.</div>
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By the time we reached Rocky Creek there was quite a crowd as expected. The resonating rumbles echoed off the walls as people jumped from various spots throughout the canyon. We had lunch and let Jake make the decision to continue or head back up the exit track, and of course he wanted to see Rocky Creek so on we went. </div>
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The hike out was led at a cracking pace by Jake and we were all stoked to see him power up the last big hill. Start them young....feed them adventure and watch them grow. Get some....<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-72576141001914771212014-01-29T17:40:00.000+11:002014-02-01T17:48:13.517+11:00Claustral canyonWhat can be said about Claustral canyon that hasn't already been said. Rob, Scott, Steen and myself had a fantastic day working our way through a classic Blue Mountains canyon via a new entry. I'll let the pictures tell the story for this trip....<br />
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The sort of behaviour common when I was younger didn't quite seem to sit the way it used to when the elasticity of youth allowed us to spring back and return to form when necessary. The convenience and danger of living a few hundred meters from a Pub affords one a simple Yin and Yang outcome.<br />
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After a very funny night I woke to the realisation that I hadn't packed a single bit of gear, so it was a welcome relief that when Scott arrived I was actually ready to go, albeit a little weathered.<br />
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Thankfully Serendipity canyon was not only open after recent fires, but not a difficult day by any stretch of the imagination. A reasonable day out.<br />
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The walk in revealed an abundance of new growth after the recent bushfires. As sparse as the vegetation becomes, its quite beautiful to see the contrast of colour that follows fire. Lush greens and a rainbow of ochre against a backdrop of black. </div>
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The abseils were fairly straight forward and the drop into the main section had us both reaching for our cameras. Coming to terms with new camera gear took up quite some time and needs more thought in regards to image quality. It's a great excuse to visit the mountains on a regular basis.</div>
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Once we entered the Wollongambe river, the temperature rose and the usual wildlife joined us for lunch. Waterdragons are spectacularly prehistoric looking creatures and incredibly deft when moving around the rocky escarpment. They also make great subjects as they remain quite still and allow for macro shots within centimetres.</div>
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We passed a group having a trip down the Wollongambe on Lilos which is a fantastic way to spend a summers day.</div>
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So another day ends on a high and with plans to visit Claustral canyon tomorrow....well lets just say an early start is needed. Get some!
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For a couple of decades Kosciuszko National Park has been my place of refuge. In the early days, I needed to discover everything within her boundaries by spilling my mind over maps late into the night. The maps had created three dimensional landscapes which made travel uncomplicated.</div>
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I wasn't interested in structured adventure and discovered that if I went forth with respect and took the knowledge passed down from those before me, that wealth beyond imagination could be found. A place that has had such a profound effect on who I am, how I think and who I turn to in times of need.<br />
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A place that is relatively small by comparison to other ranges around the world but size matters not to those who live and breath this small alpine park. I spend the bulk of my time playing during the winter season, snowboarding, kite skiing and traveling through the beautiful rolling terrain from one area to the next. <br />
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I've absorbed more than my share.....<br />
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In early May 2013, a young Canadian man went missing in Kosciuszko National Park. The full force of winter was drawing near and the news of Prabhdeep Srawn was as always, worrying. Professional teams of skilled searchers were deployed but as winter threw a blanket of snow over the region, the search was called off.<br />
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The search never really ended for the family who called upon private local and international teams of trained searchers to continue outside of the official arena.<br />
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Six months later and Prabh is still missing.....<br />
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The noise from social media and the like became a dull roar, and as professional teams gear up and resume the search I decided to put in some time as an independent searcher. Knowing the type of terrain and the probability of random searching finding anything was quite remote, but in my opinion better than sitting back and waiting.<br />
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More time is needed and time that I'm willing to give.<br />
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Scott and I left from Charlotte Pass and headed out along the summit road to Seamans hut before separating and heading out to Mt Townsend and more specifically, Abbott Ridge. After some correspondence with others involved, I'd made the decision to look into some of the less likely drainages that funnel of the western faces.</div>
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Mt Townsend area reveals just how many possible holes and small caves need to be checked and the area has already been searched repeatedly by various teams.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0ACsseJ3PM/Up130cT6iLI/AAAAAAAADJk/BBHG7v41kSU/s1600/KNP+Search+332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b0ACsseJ3PM/Up130cT6iLI/AAAAAAAADJk/BBHG7v41kSU/s640/KNP+Search+332.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iYlczg5H3U/Up139SNedDI/AAAAAAAADJ0/sOf7WhDGZNY/s1600/KNP+Search+352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iYlczg5H3U/Up139SNedDI/AAAAAAAADJ0/sOf7WhDGZNY/s640/KNP+Search+352.JPG" /></a>One of the most difficult things to comprehend, is the heath cover. It completely hides anyone or anything that may be underneath. A person looking for shelter in pre season falls could easily crawl underneath and escape the brunt of a storm. Seeing anything from two feet away is impossible.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nQGZQmqR9s/Up18vE4BOcI/AAAAAAAADLY/-5C0xJspFj4/s1600/KNP+Search+515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_nQGZQmqR9s/Up18vE4BOcI/AAAAAAAADLY/-5C0xJspFj4/s640/KNP+Search+515.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0pfb-v4s-Y/Up186y3nyXI/AAAAAAAADLg/dKFOKsA49Sk/s1600/KNP+Search+529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0pfb-v4s-Y/Up186y3nyXI/AAAAAAAADLg/dKFOKsA49Sk/s640/KNP+Search+529.JPG" /></a>Once we moved into the drainage that I was keen to check, things seemed more improbable that a person would actively choose to descend here. It still needed checking.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGBkZiWZmfc/Up1_xAl7rFI/AAAAAAAADMM/9DAuy35EogY/s1600/KNP+Search+587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGBkZiWZmfc/Up1_xAl7rFI/AAAAAAAADMM/9DAuy35EogY/s640/KNP+Search+587.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-quq4Fb-XwKc/Up2AlxVPyLI/AAAAAAAADMc/-dlIz46CyOk/s1600/KNP+Search+611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-quq4Fb-XwKc/Up2AlxVPyLI/AAAAAAAADMc/-dlIz46CyOk/s640/KNP+Search+611.JPG" /></a>At the bottom of the first intersection we separated again and travelled up two different creeks and met back at the top. The terrain was steep but manageable and despite getting the upper section done, I'm hoping to get back down to do the lower section via the 4th drainage.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWd5TkTveuc/Up7xSH56GII/AAAAAAAADNw/2m_jAf7Dy9c/s1600/KNP+Search+570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FWd5TkTveuc/Up7xSH56GII/AAAAAAAADNw/2m_jAf7Dy9c/s640/KNP+Search+570.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQmn6516aO4/Up2BAOpO70I/AAAAAAAADMs/Mzvkl44hrCE/s1600/KNP+Search+619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQmn6516aO4/Up2BAOpO70I/AAAAAAAADMs/Mzvkl44hrCE/s640/KNP+Search+619.JPG" /></a>We took a different route back to Charlotte Pass by dropping into the side of Lady Northcote Canyon and climbing Mt Lee which gave some nice views of Little Austria.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnKsEWtyCRE/Up2CqKsCyGI/AAAAAAAADNQ/_dkvLs9DYnA/s1600/KNP+Search+704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dnKsEWtyCRE/Up2CqKsCyGI/AAAAAAAADNQ/_dkvLs9DYnA/s640/KNP+Search+704.JPG" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qt_eQcFBpnU/Up2Cdxkqx7I/AAAAAAAADNI/ku3SkJdAer0/s1600/KNP+Search+727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qt_eQcFBpnU/Up2Cdxkqx7I/AAAAAAAADNI/ku3SkJdAer0/s640/KNP+Search+727.JPG" /></a>By the time we reached the Crossing it was obvious just how difficult a job the search is for anyone involved. It's a numbers game and while our time may have been a lotto ticket, I'm sure that the official and professional teams have a much better chance as structured and highly trained units.</div>
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I will endeavour to return and spend more time searching as it becomes available and sincerely hope all teams stay safe and Prabh is found.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-82184840710096572822013-11-03T20:51:00.000+11:002013-12-04T18:56:23.866+11:00Random Ridge scrambleRecently we had the pleasure of spending three days cruising around the Hawkesbury river. With no fixed plans other than to anchor each night in secluded bays and eat, drink and be merry, our adventurous eyes began to wander to the sandstone cliffs that grew from waters edge and towered above.<br />
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We found ourselves discussing random possible routes up ridgelines and gullies. It seems to be an inbuilt trait for both Scott and I to see interesting terrain and gravitate towards it, letting curiosity guide us up, over, through or down it until satisfied that anything worth knowing has been discovered.<br />
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Having absolutely no prior knowledge of a route adds to the enjoyment and so when we both commented on a particular ridge, a decision was made to return and scramble up it.<br />
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We hatched a plan to paddle from Brooklyn to a point due south of Bar Island, scramble up the ridge and return. The paddle was a comfortable 9klm loop despite the stiff headwind in the afternoon, although having calm conditions early meant reduced visibility due to recent bushfire activity. <br />
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In terms of gear, we threw in a few bits and pieces without much thought in regards to the climbing side as we expected to breeze up the point and rap back down the ridgeline in a couple of pitches. The paddle was done with a burst of energy and after pulling the kayak up the bank at a place we had scoped fall line of our descent, the traverse to the point began.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y90_wDEd7Vc/UnX7q-fxUsI/AAAAAAAADCs/35wefCGdSAI/s1600/IMG_3169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y90_wDEd7Vc/UnX7q-fxUsI/AAAAAAAADCs/35wefCGdSAI/s640/IMG_3169.JPG" width="640" /></a>Once we arrived at the nose of the ridge we immediately wanted to climb a couple of short pitches so Scott lead the way up a small crack followed by a series of steps leading onwards and upwards to the next climb. The next crack was another short but fun climb and may have been junk to some, but as I'm no climber it was just the distraction I needed. </div>
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After arriving at the top, the haze from the fires had slowly started to dissipate and we had slightly better views of the river below. We walked along the ridge looking for the rap points only to decide that where we thought a 60m rope would suffice for the first two larger pitches, it was going to be short on the second pitch. It was hot and with two cold beers back at the kayak we opted for a variation on the descent that took us back closer to where we had ascended.</div>
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ï»ż</div>
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The temp dropped by almost 10 degrees at water level and the tide had gone out to reveal an abundance of oysters on the shoreline. Back at the kayak the beer was still cold and we sat looking across the bay discussing how lucky we are, and both had an overwhelming sense that so many people just don't get it. Some never have the opportunity, and others simply throw it away only to wish they had held on to it for dear life.</div>
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Get into it.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-52876814314347996202013-10-06T23:27:00.001+11:002013-10-07T12:03:51.840+11:00Whungee Wheengee Canyon<div align="left">
ï»ż</div>
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With a fairly quiet backcountry season for us this year due to circumstance, my attention has turned to canyoning of late. As much as I love exploring new canyons, some are worth repeating due to the interesting nature of the cold, dark constrictions that have been chiselled out over an age.</div>
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I had visited Whungee Wheengee Canyon over 15 years ago and have vague memories of a great trip, so when Scott called I was ready to go before dawn. Rob was along for the day and as usual, great company. The walk in saw the release of the weeks concerns drifting away layer by layer, and the surrounds gradually penetrate and cleanse the soul.<br />
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Working our way down to the Wollongambe river saw an abundance of colour with wildflowers out in bloom. It was a perfect blend of idle chatter and sensory saturation that lifted the spirit the way only the outdoors can.</div>
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After crossing the crystal clear waters of the Wollangambe river, we climbed the ridge and found our way to the drop in point. I've lost count how many times I've paddled across or down sections of this river and each time I'm impressed by it's unique beauty.</div>
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The canyon is quite an impressive one with many swims through pitch black tunnels and tight climbs in cold water. It makes for an adventurous feel to the day and just when you think the canyon is opening up again, you squeeze through a small hole amongst the boulders into the blackness.</div>
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Not long after this picture was taken, I slipped and the camera went under...It's a tough little unit that has been through a lot but after pouring the water out of it for the second time it may finally be due for retirement.<br />
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Just as we were starting to feel the cold, the ever so slightly warmer waters of the Wollangambe river were felt, and the last perfect vertical cleft was left behind. After a swim down to the exit point we had lunch before ascending back to the car. Another perfect day in the wild.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-33596187696330002682013-09-09T21:42:00.002+10:002013-09-09T22:16:00.121+10:00Empress Canyon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With increasingly limited time to get out and about lately, I was determined to squeeze a canyon into the schedule over the weekend. Empress Canyon has been on the list for a while but due to being a popular commercial trip with easy access I'd put it on the night canyon list. A last minute call to Scott had us arriving in Wentworth falls just after dark. The canyon by all reports was a fairly short affair with only one pitch of around 28m. </div>
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My earliest memories of abseiling were out of our backyard tree on an old hessian rope with Scott. It had that distinct musty smell and made noises under tension that didn't inspire a great deal of confidence.
I think I was around twelve years old when we went abseiling down in the local creek. I'll never forget slipping off the mossy overhang and not opening my eyes until I had slid the entire length of the rope, only managing to stop when Scott had used every ounce of his bodyweight to stop me while belaying. I was 1 foot off the deck and thanking my lucky stars one of us knew what they were doing!<br />
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The canyon was short but we extended it somewhat by fooling around with cameras and reliving past mishaps and adventures. After I'd perfected the art of slipping at the crux and hand jamming overhangs, I watched Scott rap down flawlessly before ascending back up the track to the car.</div>
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A nice evening out, and one that had us planning more of the same. Good times....
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-1142873914858041372013-05-06T22:15:00.002+10:002013-12-04T18:56:15.581+11:00Thurat Spires<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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From the very first time I visited Kanangra, an impression was left deep enough to draw me back many times for many different reasons. It's classic Australian bushwalking terrain at the very least and has some of the most spectacular and difficult canyoning our mountains have to offer which quite often produces <b><i>epics</i></b> for the unwary. The views are nothing short of breathtaking and worth the drive alone.<br />
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In the warmer months it can be hot and dry along the tops and freezing midwinter. On one trip alone I had counted over twenty snakes on a round trip to Mt Cloudmaker on a 35 degree day, and the next, 3 days of rain and six storms on the way to Katoomba. Passage always seems to come at a price.....well, for me at least.<br />
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This trip was no different. Thurat Spires are often gazed upon by walkers heading along the classic Kanangra to Katoomba walk. Most wonder what it might be like to stand on top or better still, use it as exit route for Danae Brook canyon. I decided to see for myself what secrets the jagged ridge line held.<br />
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The walk started at 6.15am after a restless night thanks to a bad bout of the flu. I figured I could shake it off with a little vertical. The weather was perfect and the sunrise quite impressive as I made my way out along the tops to the Kilpatrick causeway. Descending down the ridge was leg burning and the loose rock and scree created some dangerous conditions for anyone below.<br />
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Reaching Kanangra Creek by 8.30am was pleasing as I needed as much time as possible for route finding and scrambling on the Spires. The ridge was steep and unrelenting and before long it narrowed down into some great walking.<br />
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About halfway along the ridge the first problem started to appear. Coming across snake skins get the heart pumping and sure enough, within minutes the first blacksnake slithered off under the very boulders I had to climb. The pitch was steep enough that any encounter would be at eye level on the way up.<br />
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The views into Danae Brook were fleeting but impressive and as I climbed higher, rockfall started to become an issue. As someone who never got into climbing for fun, I started to ask myself why one would. The scrambles were not hard or technical but any fall would result in severe trauma or worse.<br />
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I had reached the point of no return by the time I had climbed onto the second Spire. The exposure was more than I was accustomed to or willing to commit to. The route up onto Spire head was more of the same and because I had no hard data on the difficulty of the climb, I made the decision to leave it for another day.<br />
As disappointing as the decision was to make, I felt it was the right one and I still had to abseil back down some short pitches that couldn't be down climbed safely.<br />
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The return route brought more snakes, and this one below had me retreating back up the ridge until it decided to hide under another rock in my path. Black snakes are generally pretty docile but will strike if threatened and I had to get creative a few times on the descent to avoid an encounter. <br />
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By the time I had reached the bottom of the valley again my legs were warning me to stop. Ignoring the fatigue, I pushed on again until I had regained the tops. The afternoon sun was lighting up the walls in spectacular fashion as I coasted back to the car.<br />
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The photo below shows the vertical required to get anywhere in the region and I can highly recommend the twice in one day ticket.<br />
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As disappointing as it may be retreating on occasion, it is better to live and fight another day. I'll return soon enough to complete what I have started.....<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-25906066226096729512013-04-01T21:44:00.003+11:002013-04-19T20:26:39.251+10:00Lockleys Pylon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes when you're broken, its all the more important to beat your wings harder. You may fly slower and slightly off course but the views from above are just as spectacular as they always were.....</div>
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Dana and I left on a spur of the moment trip to the Blue Mountains, after managing two days in sync. </div>
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Lockleys Pylon is a magnet for those looking for sub aerobic heart rates, spectacular views, and a place to relax and reflect. The walk is a short 7klm loop which we dissected by camping overnight. We took the opportunity to dine on some fantastic food as the sun disappeared and the evening colours faded into a haze of laughter and good memories. It's just so great to be back amongst it.... </div>
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As we arrived at Lockley Pylon the views swept 360 degrees revealing an abundance of rock, colour and wildlife. We have walked almost all of the surrounding area from the windswept tops, dark canyon slots and valley floors.<br />
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David Crevasse can be seen in the pic below (centre slot) which I had <i><b><a href="http://djm74.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/david-crevasse.html#.UVlidzeOt8E" target="_blank">recently visited</a></b></i> to unlock the secrets hidden from the outside world. Who would have known the beauty within....<br />
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Get out there folks.....:-)<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-22455450729391364072013-02-11T18:10:00.001+11:002013-04-13T21:32:55.146+10:00Sea Kayaking Bundeena to WattamollaI took a call from Scott during the week and plans were made to go Kayaking. I always look forward to paddling no matter what the craft or destination, for the pure and simple feeling of working the body while the mind drifts aimlessly from thought to thought.<br />
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Sea kayaking doesn't produce the raw, intense adrenaline fueled highs that paddling whitewater does, instead a steady flow of contentment and constant awareness that the ocean is a special place. Much like the mountains..... go forth with respect and you shall receive.<br />
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The plan was to paddle from Bonnie Vale in Bundeena to Wattamolla for lunch, and then back again. The forecast was almost perfect with a tailwind and following swell down, and a light southerly blowing in for the return journey.<br />
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The ocean was glassy early on with a low 1-2m swell, which allowed for plenty reminiscing of past trips and a few photos along the way. It's an amazing stretch of coastline and one best viewed from the water if you have the opportunity, otherwise the popular "<b><i><a href="http://djm74.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/little-marley-lagoon.html" target="_blank">Coast Track</a></i></b>" follows the clifftop through the Royal National Park for those on foot.<br />
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The beautiful colours in the sandstone ranged from bleached white to deep red in places and held our gaze for quite some time until we pulled in to check out Marley Beach. I'd visited previously with Dana to explore the fresh water lagoon behind the beach with a packraft, and despite dealing with sharp Pampas grass managed to paddle to the other side.<br />
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As usual, Marley Beach never disappoints and after a short visit we continued south towards Wattamolla Beach.<br />
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Not too long after leaving Marley we arrived at Wattamolla which is quite the little paradise if you don't mind the crowds. Lunch was devoured while relaxing and enjoying the view. The southerly wind shift arrived on time and after watching the rolling cloud sweep through and disappear to the north, a new wind swell arrived clashing with that from the north. The trip home would be a little busier than the one we had just completed.<br />
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After rounding Providential Head the conditions changed immediately and with two swells clashing there was no time for photos until we arrived back in Bundeena. It was great day out and around 27klm paddled in total. How lucky we are....<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-57322188097349103672012-11-27T17:04:00.000+11:002013-04-13T21:33:03.811+10:00Dargans Creek CanyonInactivity is not something I'm used to. It's fair to say that the simple act of sitting still has always bothered me, and if I sit long enough, the daggers of boredom are thrust deep into my soul. I can't remember ever thinking I have nothing to do.....Quite the contrary.<br />
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If I'm not away, I'm planning to go away and I love an epic trip, so occasionally I'll not factor in any extra time, leave my tent at home, choose a difficult route in average weather etc....generally trying to compress more goodness into the allocated time slot....Searching for the smile that comes within seconds of getting away with something you know you shouldn't have.<br />
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The last six months saw change sweep through, clenched in an angry fist called fate. A glancing blow at best, but one that has held Dana and I captive for longer periods than we are used to. I'm sure the bite size trips will grow back into large chunks eventually. My fitness has suffered so I decided to find something that required very little but allowed for some photo opportunities. Dargans Creek had come up recently as a good short outing, so with pleny of batteries and an empty card, I headed up the Bells Line to Clarence.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5BBbywiEIQ/ULM63m1gs6I/AAAAAAAACFc/yftMY5pN1EI/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B5BBbywiEIQ/ULM63m1gs6I/AAAAAAAACFc/yftMY5pN1EI/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a>The wander down into the creek was a little scrubby but interesting none the less. The wildflowers were out in abundance, and as usual at this time of the year, every bent stick looked like a snake. Funnily enough, I didn't see one all day which was surprising.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnesD5NheGc/ULM7ZI7haQI/AAAAAAAACF0/1vG4pfc4APE/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnesD5NheGc/ULM7ZI7haQI/AAAAAAAACF0/1vG4pfc4APE/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a>The constricted section of the Canyon was quite impressive but very short so I spent an hour or so fiddling around with the camera. After slipping over and smashing the camera again, I couldn't believe it still worked! It took a wave at Batemans Bay and the lens cover mechanism jammed with rust, so I removed it to keep shooting but now the wear is showing on the lens.</div>
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The walk back along the ridge had some sting in the tail and it was a reminder that summer had arrived. The heat rising from the earth was matched in intensity from that above. The beauty of this canyon lies in the fact that the exit is short and I had arrived back at the car in no time. A good few hours out for those looking for something simple but rewarding.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-19288994186553169192012-10-03T17:22:00.003+10:002013-04-13T21:33:12.653+10:00MAIN RANGE SKIING & SNOWKITING<br />
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Spring on the Main Range of Kosciusko National Park is a great time
for social gatherings. I prefer mid winter for business and the fringe
season for getting out and having fun. The conditions can occasionally
be a challenge, but patience is usually rewarded for those who take the
time to slow down and breath the landscape in.<br />
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Pat, Dana and myself decided to head off from Thredbo and setup in Cock's Harbour to do some skiing and snowkiting. No trip would be complete without some sort of gear failure for me, and as clipped into my bindings the tail broke off in my hand. Two days of light use....I had to laugh.<br />
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Pat had me moving in minutes after some high tech repair work.<br />
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The plan was to make a base camp somewhere and ski the surrounding area so we made our way to the lee side of Etheridge and downloaded the gear. The afternoon was spent kiting in Cock's Harbour which was not quite as productive for me as it could have been.<br />
The wind was fading and by the time I had changed kites, it was all over. <br />
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Some other local kiters were also out and enjoying the Spring conditions.<br />
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The second day dawned clear and we woke to the consistent flapping of the tents, which meant the wind was good so while Dana and I took our time to enjoy breakfast, Pat was into it early. From the door of the tent, we watched as he skied off down the Valley to launch the kite.<br />
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Within 15 minutes of launching the kite Pat was on top of Kosciusko tearing up and down before disappearing on one of his usual adventures. His search for interesting terrain is always a source of inspiration for me so with this in mind, Dana and I went in search of our own fun.<br />
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Dana has been itching to get back into some skiing and proved once again just how determined and resilient she is. I can only aspire to be as strong willed. <br />
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We climbed a nice lee slope and skied back down with somewhat different results. My teleskiing ability needs some work and after a spill or two I met her at the bottom, all smiles.<br />
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Dana decided to skin back up for more of the same so I launched my 8m kite which was about 4m too big, and proceeded to rocket across the valley then up the ridge. Things became a little marginal at this point so I hit the panic button and pulled the kite down. Dana had completed another run so we rendezvoused lower down the valley before heading back to camp.<br />
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We relaxed in the sun as Pat came weaving his way back to camp with tales of new terrain and many more kilometers traveled.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marty cranking on his Frenzy.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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The weekend was a success whichever way you look at it and with a freshly basted spirit, we headed home. Thanks for the good company again Pat.... much to look forward to.....Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-38676602232132618982012-09-06T21:31:00.000+10:002014-10-02T17:01:02.358+10:00KIANDRA TO KOSCIUSKO.....almost.<br />
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See<a href="http://djm74.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/kiandra-to-kosciuszko-splitboarding.html#.VCz3qrlxncs" target="_blank"> this post</a> for another trip across.<br />
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I don't often revisit trips of the past as they seem to lose all the detail over time which is important to me when writing about our adventures. Some trips however seem to linger for longer, so before age extracts any more detail from the grey matter, I'll etch the remainder into the blog stone.<br />
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For those who are familiar with the K2K, well...this will be an amusing post. For those that know nothing of the classic 80k route from Kiandra in the Northern end of Kosciusko National Park, to Thredbo (the commonly accepted finish point these days)...well it may also be an amusing post.<br />
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I'll start by saying that in August 2003 I completed the same route on snow shoes and snowboard solo in 5 days. It was an amazing trip that opened my mind to what was on offer in our own backyard. My dreams of polar crossings gained momentum from plodding around KNP in the early days and allowed a steady flow of knowledge and experience to build.<br />
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In 2009 Dana and I decided to retrace the same route, but take our time and ride some of the more remote peaks in the park. We had two weeks worth of food and equipment and no set agenda. At the time Dana had only two or three days skiing experience and hauled a fairly hefty load in some trying conditions. <br />
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With a gale force wind warning and prefrontal rain arriving on the day of our departure we left slightly nervous about the journey ahead......<br />
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It continued on and off during the night but the temps were too warm for snow. </div>
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The snow pack was heavy and wet and I knew it was going to be marginal on the Happy Jacks plain, but woke to snow falling on the second day. The first day was tough and I had spent a fair portion of the day dragging the pulk over grass and gravel trying desperately to keep on snow to protect the bottom and to make it easier to haul. Day 2 started a little easier but turned into a long day as we aimed for Happy's Hut in the hope of drying out some gear.<br />
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We were within striking distance of the hut when darkness arrived so with head torches on, we took a bearing and headed off down a fairly steep and manky traverse. Dana had to keep the pulk from rolling and it was quite amusing at first trying not to get run down by the 30kgs of food and gear from behind but the novelty wore off after numerous falls.<br />
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As the the pitch flattened out, the snow stopped so we left the gear and spent the next half an hour searching for the hut amongst the stands of snowgums. I hadn't visited this particular hut before as I'd aimed for Brooks last time, so nothing was familiar. I finally spotted it and headed back to the gear which was only a few hundred meters away.......<br />
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What happened next was slightly humorous . We couldn't find the hut again. It was cold and I was still wearing a T shirt and had started to fade. Dana needed to stop <i>NOW , </i>and we had used the last of our drinkable water. It was past 8.00pm and we were simply fatigued from hauling and had hit the wall. After making a lame effort in the dinner department we fell asleep instantly.<br />
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The next day was perfect....Warm, sunny and clear skies. The view out the door of the tent had us laughing as we could now see the state of Happy Jacks plain. I knew we would have to be creative with our route choice through this section, but this required the fucking brush stroke of an artist. I'm not sure what kind of personality disorder makes a person laugh when confronted with adversity but I suffer from it.<br />
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We found the hut a mere 80 meters from the tent so we decided laze around in the sun and kick back for a while. It is such a beautiful spot and it was 2.00pm before we decided to do a few K's!<br />
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The day was perfect and we could have stayed forever but the lure of Mt Jagungal and the craggy northern side awaited. I had wanted to ride the steeper side for years and every time I had been close, I'd run out of time or the conditions weren't right. Despite the view spread out before us, I still held onto the faint hope that it may just be rideable.<br />
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The day was slow but the enjoyment of hard physical exertion and the emotions that go with it kept us in high spirits. There were numerous boggy sections to navigate through so trying to stay high was helpful but as time went by it became increasingly more frustrating keeping the pulk upright.<br />
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We pulled up on a nice bend next to Happy Jacks creek just as the stars filled the sky. Dinner was prepared under an amazing sea of light and once again slept heavily under a blanket of fatigue. I was hauling a total of 55kg's between the pulk and pack which would have been a breeze had there been <i>any</i> snow.<br />
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Day 4 arrives with the same perfect weather so we decide to get into it early and leave camp by 10.00am. Why rush! We find whats left of the old footbridge and spend way too long ferrying gear across. A packraft would have been perfect for this section as the creek was flowing well and 3k's an hour would have been fast compared to our speed.<br />
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I was desperate for the wind to pick up, as I had an 8 metre snow kite that potentially could have lightened the load somewhat....Wouldn't that have been a sight! I could only imagine what people may have thought if they stumbled across that little setup, but under a fat high pressure system it was never going to happen.<br />
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The rest of the day was spent trying to find easy ground for the pulk. Hauling up onto the ridges, then back down in search of anything that would stop it from getting bogged down in swampy grass, or flipped over by knee high tussocks. As we arrived at Macgregors creek the pulk flipped for the 100th time and as it did, Dana said, "We may have a slight problem"....<br />
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I was horrified to see that the bottom had worn through both main runners and was full of mud, water and grass. I was concerned for several reasons, but the one that worried me the most was that the pulk was not mine. To this day it was the only regret of the trip and the owner was incredibly nice about the whole deal all things considered. (Sincere apologies again)<br />
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I had spent the month prior to the trip building a plug for my own carbon fiber pulk, but had simply run out of time as the process is time consuming. It requires building the plug, then a mold from the plug and finally the actual pulk from the mold. Stage one of three wasn't even close. <br />
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As usual panic gave way to laughter and after coming up with all sorts of escape plans, the logical one seemed to be continuing on and seeing how far we could get before the damage was terminal. After endless creek crossings, swampy hauling and difficult terrain for the pulk we make camp again and settle in as the clouds roll in ahead of the next front which was due in the next 24 hours or so.<br />
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The fifth day arrived with clear skies and warm weather again so we decided to sleep in and aim for Mackeys hut which was only two and a half kilometers away. More of the same ensued and upon reaching Tibeaudo's creek it was back to unpacking and repacking the pulk. The next hill was testing.<br />
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Standing at the bottom looking for a route up through thick regrowth and a consistent steep, rocky pitch, had us thinking about multiple trips back and forth. In the end I figured once would be enough.....It was a difficult section but nearing the top, we finally hit our first patches of snow in days.<br />
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The day went well all things considered and the sight of Mackeys hut was a welcoming one, and I had to laugh when thinking back to the last time I visited the hut. I'd passed through on my second day and had a cuppa with another solo skier in 2003. I continued on to camp at Spencers peak while trying to outrun a front on that occasion.<br />
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We spent the remainder of the day relaxing and waiting for the next front to arrive and as the evening rolled on, the rain began to fall. It was frustrating because of the warm temps, and by the morning no snow had fallen. So far our focus had been travel and we were keen to start some skiing and riding, but I knew we were going to run out of time if conditions didn't start improving.<br />
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It poured all morning and the decision was made to take the day off and wait out the prefontal rain. At 5Âșc the chance of snow was zero and we wait for the wind to arrive which it does around 10.30am.<br />
Finally at 4.30pm the snow arrives but not a great deal. The drop in temperature was more important as from here on in, saving what was left of the snowpack was critical.<br />
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Day 7 arrived clear and crisp with around 2cm of new snow which we
take advantage of and leave early. We follow Tibeaudo creek and then
skirt the side of Spencers Peak which is a shitty route as usual
(the Spencer traverse) but make it to Cesjacks hut in reasonable time.<br />
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Cesjacks was a hive of activity with what seemed like 15 or more people eying us off like we were going to steal some bed space. Both times I've visited, my impression was the same and after asking for an updated weather forecast, we gladly moved on.<br />
The forecast was for a front due within hours so we tried to pick up the pace and find a place that was not too exposed. The wind was fairly strong as we setup, and although it wasn't the safest spot, the weather was reasonably tame in the end. It snows during the night but end up waking to less snow due to the warm temps. <br />
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Day 8 starts fine and sunny again and I'm now convinced that somewhere along the way, the focus went from riding remote peaks to simply making distance. The snow pack is wet and heavy and we post hole most of the day, falling through low heath and into unseen sink holes. Everything is in a serious state of melt, and it becomes a race against time to cross as many creeks as we can.<br />
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There were many snow bridges that on any other day we would have looked for better crossings, but we pushed our luck to the limit. We were dragging packs and the pulk over with a rope and treading as lightly as possible, one at a time only to hear the underside collapse into the creeks.<br />
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Dana considers skiing but every few hundred metres and we hit grass. Being higher up on the range is promising but I already knew that crossing the Valentine creek will be near on impossible before we can even see it. We make camp at Tarn Bluff and it begins to rain....then it pours for three hours.<br />
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My feet were holding up well considering I was in newish boots. Day 9 dawned with low cloud and a light drizzle. We were keen to get to Mawson Hut but as we broke camp and moved up to higher ground, visibility dropped to mere metres. I took a bearing and we moved through an area of swampy flat terrain. It was impossible to tell what was underneath the snow and we broke through into knee deep water several times which was difficult with snowshoes and a loaded pulk.<br />
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I followed Dana towards an island of grass and without warning I broke through the snow into a sink hole. I sunk up to my armpits and watched as huge sheets of ice broke up as I tried to move forward still attached to the pulk which was now sinking. I fought my way forward driving off the bottom towards what I had hoped was the edge as Dana grabbed me by the pack and started hauling me out. I kept charging forward until the pulk was out and we lay back wide eyed and smiling.<br />
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We made the decision to keep moving as I was warm and the temps were moderate enough to start drying out. Once we hit the ridge, it's clear that crossing the Valentine will be a swim. We spent an hour looking for a place to cross but it was raging, and despite being able to see Mawson hut on the other side we make the call to head for Tin hut and stay safe. We travel on for a while then make camp as the temperature starts to plummet.<br />
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That night a front passes through and the wind gets a little crazy. I wake at 1am to blizzard conditions, and get up to build a snow wall before the tent takes off. We sleep until 5am and get up for more shovel work before things moderate. We were supposed to meet the two Craig's at Schlink hut which wasn't going to happen but we are stoked with some colder conditions that allow for easy travel.<br />
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It's very icy as we head for Tin hut. During the morning we bump into another solo traveler heading for Schlink and he asks us for an updated weather report as he had been out for 5 days. I laughed as I told him I'd burnt my last 5 day report 5 days ago. The weather was deteriorating and we wished him a safe trip over the Kerries and continued on. Dana is keen for some hauling and does some time in the harness.<br />
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We travel through one of my favorite areas before reaching the hut which is full. We pitch the tent again and I finally get phone reception to call Craig for a weather report. Blizzard conditions for the next 48 hours.... The wind is galeforce and snow pummels the tent all night. The usual midnight shoveling ensues.<br />
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On day 11 we wake to more of the same. The weather is still raging so we decide to wait it out, as there is no point heading off when we have plenty of time, food, music and books to read. Later in the day, I made a dash to the hut to have a chat with the other skiers but find it empty. By the look of the tracks, they had only just left. Dana and I take the opportunity to dry out some gear in the hut after a very wet journey and laugh about the fact we haven't locked into our bindings once in 11 days!<br />
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Day 12 arrives and the wind is still fairly strong but the system has passed, so we head over Gungarten Pass. I'm gutted that there is now no time for riding as we have to meet Craig at Guthega power station at 5pm so we can pick up our car at Thredbo. We confirm our pick up at Schlink pass and Dana has a great ski along the Whites River corridor. We start reflecting on the trip and realise that despite some very marginal conditions and not achieving any of our initial objectives, it had been one of the best trips we have both done.<br />
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I've been asked numerous times about why we didn't turn around at Happy Jacks Plain....It just never occurred to me that going backwards was an option.....<br />
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A short video.....<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="364" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/48718453" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="648"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/48718453">K2K</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user987054">Darren</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8360449812161472597.post-65283960086481567882012-08-21T20:01:00.001+10:002013-04-13T21:33:25.433+10:00LEATHERBARREL CREEKSpending time traveling through alpine terrain, preferably in marginal conditions, has always been not only a source of comfort, but a way to see the world in a slightly clearer perspective. There's something special and quite unique about following a compass bearing into the white haze of a low pressure weather system. <br />
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All my concerns are blasted away, layer by layer until all that is left are answers to the questions I have. Some of my most memorable and productive moments have occurred mid storm, head down, focused on nothing in particular. Things that seem insurmountable suddenly seem less daunting and problems are solved. The worse the storm, the easier the arrows fly, and as the quiver empties, the answers start to fall.<br />
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The idea for the weekends outing was as much about state of mind as it was riding. It was an unexpected day in Kosciusko National Park. Leatherbarrel Creek to be specific. Within an hour of making a last minute decision, I was packed and driving South.<br />
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As the trip progressed, it became apparent that it may be one of those rare days when everything just blends. Perfect snow, good visibility and little wind. Too good maybe.... <br />
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I left Thredbo after having some laughs with friends and headed off a little nervous about my fitness level. I hadn't reached an aerobic heart rate in three months so the pace was slow and deliberate to make sure I had enough in the tank for the return journey.<br />
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The "Corrie" (centre funnel in pic) was the first po<span style="font-family: inherit;">rt of call after seeing skin tracks heading towards the "Couloir". A few other regulars were out and about so I </span>didn't see any point in compressing runs into a small area when such a varied feast of vertical was on offer.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The top section of the Corrie is often wind scoured but generally holds
the goods once you're in.... on this occasion it was good from the drop
in. The run down was everything I love about snowboarding. The feeling of floating effortlessly at speed and cranking turns on a blank white canvas.</span><br />
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After taking a minute to breathe in at the bottom I noticed some more lines down the Couloir, and someone skinning up peak 1977. Half an hour later I was standing on the top waving down to a couple of <b><i>ski.com</i></b> regulars who were well and truly getting their fair share.<br />
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I rode the face, skiers left from the top and found the snow to be just as good as the opposite aspect. The last time I rode the same peak, it was icy at the drop in and some very marginal turns took place on the first 30 metres or so.<br />
No such drama this time around though. I had lunch and took in the view before heading towards the South East Ridge of Kosciusko to hopefully get one more run in on the way home.<br />
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Brian W dropping in on peak 1977. Fitness allowed him a few more runs than I was capable of.<br />
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By the time I reached the end bowl I made the decision to head home. Fitness and motivation had run low on this occasion to try and score the Kosci trifecta...and besides, <b><i><a href="http://djm74.blogspot.com.au/2011/08/lake-cootapatamba-surrounds.html" target="_blank">last time</a></i></b> I rode the SE ridge it was boiler plate and I slid halfway down so I was in no hurry to fall off it again, even if the snow was in shape.<br />
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Closer to Thredbo a kite appeared out of nowhere and I immediately thought it was a couple of friends who were also in the area kiting. Not so....but these guys were stoked to be out.<br />
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Arriving back at the resort, I felt the full noise of thousands of people speaking a language that seemed foreign. Noisy, boisterous, hectic.....<br />
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I had left the same place that morning with questions that I thought hadn't been answered.......All at once the answers slapped me fair in the face......Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0